The fact that China and the U.S. have different social systems and ideologies should not stand in the way for peaceful coexistence, said Consul General Zhang Ping Tuesday, April 20. "The Pacific Ocean is big enough to accommodate both China and the U.S."

Zhang made the remarks at a webinar organized by the Pacific Council on International Policy headquartered in the California city of Los Angeles. "We hope that the U.S. side will put aside ideological bias and accept the reality of China's development and have a peaceful coexistence with China," he said.

Zhang was joined by Dr. Jerrold Green, President and CEO of the Pacific Council, who also served as the moderator, and other Council members.

While noting the positive interactions between China and the U.S. since the Biden administration took office, Zhang said in his opening remarks that China-U.S. relations remain difficult and tense in some areas as a result of the U.S. side taking a series of negative actions recently.

Zhang denounced those in the U.S. who maliciously disseminate disinformation and fabricate stories to hype up the so-called human rights violation in Xinjiang. "Anyone who has some understanding of international politics can tell that this is a scheme set up for geopolitical purpose and a card played to contain China," he said.

When talking about the new U.S. administration's foreign policy describing China as the "most serious strategic competitor" to the U.S, Zhang emphasized that competition between China and the U.S., though inevitable, does not represent the whole picture of the bilateral relationship. The right way to raise competitiveness is to "focus on managing their own business well," he said, calling on the U.S. side not to tie China to its domestic agenda.

Zhang stressed the importance of dialogue and cooperation between the two largest economies, citing three pressing tasks for them to cooperate: fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, tackling climate change, and promoting world economic recovery. He noted the recent China-U.S. climate change talks, saying it was a proof that the two countries could work together on issues of common interests. "We hope that China-U.S. cooperation will not be limited to climate area, or issues that the U.S. is concerned about," he pointed out. "It should be two-way and mutually beneficial, and address the concerns and needs of both sides."

Zhang also expressed the hope that the U.S. side will have a correct understanding of China's development and avoid miscalculation on China's strategic intentions, reiterating the legitimate right of the Chinese people to pursue a better life. "China is committed to non-conflict, non-confrontation with the U.S., while firmly safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests, as well as its national dignity," he said.

Zhang spoke highly of China's close ties with California, especially with Southern California which is part of the consular district of the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angles. "Given the tremendous benefits that this close relationship has brought to both sides, we all have a stake in seeing California's connection with China remain strong," he said.

Zhang finally pointed out that the China-U.S. relationship is faced with a critical choice. "We hope, with the joint efforts of our two peoples, we can maintain and develop China-US relations along a healthy and stable track. We also believe, both sides have the ability and wisdom to find a viable path eventually to build a model of interaction between the two major countries that focuses on peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation," Zhang concluded.